SEAL-VASEAL Policy Control for KPI-Driven 5G Service Coordination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems in cellular networks face inefficiencies in configuring networks due to manual handling of Customer Service Requests (CSRs) and lack of automated API discovery, leading to fragmented API behavior and limited user-friendliness for application developers, particularly in 5G vertical applications.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a Service Enabler Architecture Layer (SEAL) service server that determines communication policies using machine learning to optimize Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as MOS, latency, and packet drop, and receives feedback from a Vertical Application Service Enabling Architecture Layer (VASEAL) to enhance network control and integration with VAL layers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual handling of Customer Service Requests (CSRs) is used for network configuration, then network operators can configure cellular networks, but the process becomes time-consuming and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork configuration speedVSAvoidtime for handling CSRs

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automated self-service through the SEAL service server that automatically determines communication policies and manages network configuration based on KPI requirements, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention in routine configuration tasks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical processes of network configuration are replaced with automated computational systems including machine learning models and algorithms that automatically determine optimal communication policies and configure network parameters

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If offline configuration of Northbound APIs is used in NEF, then API provisioning is possible, but API discovery is not supported and API behavior becomes fragmented

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAPI functionalityVSAvoidAPI management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The SEAL service server acts as an intermediary layer between the NEF and vertical applications, providing centralized API discovery and unified management that resolves the fragmentation issue while maintaining offline configuration capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The SEAL service server provides multiple functions including API discovery, policy determination, and unified management in a single platform, making the system universally applicable to various vertical applications without requiring separate mechanisms for each function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If traditional O&M interfaces are used for network configuration, then network operators can manage networks, but the process requires multiple manual steps and is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork management accessibilityVSAvoidconfiguration efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Traditional command-line and NetConf-based mechanical interfaces are replaced with an automated intelligent system that uses machine learning and algorithms to determine communication policies and execute configuration tasks automatically

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides self-service capabilities where the SEAL service server automatically manages network configuration based on determined communication policies, reducing the need for manual operator steps while maintaining ease of access through standardized interfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20260081973A1Method and apparatus for interacting between vertical application layer and service enabler architecture layer

Publication Date: 2026.03.19 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

According to an aspect, there is provided a method for execution by a SEAL (Service Enabler Architecture Layer) service server of a network. The method involves determining a communication policy based on at least one KPI (Key Performance Indicator). The method also involves communicating, via the network, with a SEAL client of a communications device, in accordance with the communication policy. In some implementations, the SEAL service server is part of a SEAL layer, and the method also involves receiving feedback from a VASEAL (Vertical Application Service Enabling Architecture Layer) layer which is separate from the SEAL layer, and controlling the VASEAL layer and/or adjusting the communication policy based in part on the feedback. Thus, method can enable control on the network towards a SEAL layer which can allow capabilities of the SEAL layer to be extended to consume VASEAL layer information and provide control to the VASEAL layer.